Question

If the Thompson model of the atom was correct, then the result of Rutherford's gold foil experiment would have been : 

(1) All of the α-particles pass through the gold foil without decrease in speed.

(2) α-Particles are deflected over a wide range of angles. 

(3) All α-particles get bounced back by 180\(^\circ\)

(4) α-Particles pass through the gold foil deflected by small angles and with reduced speed.

Answer 1

Answer is (4) α-Particles pass through the gold foil deflected by small angles and with reduced speed.

As in Thomson model, protons are diffused (charge is not centred) α- particles deviate by small angles and due to repulsion from protons, their speed decreases.